Silver - Brooch - Coral - Silver

A special 'Sciacca' silver Jugendstil signed coral brooch in the shape of a grape cluster.
Made circa 1900–1915 in the Mediterranean region and originated from Germany.
The corals vary in size and have a beautiful salmon-pink color; the brooch is in very good condition.
Signed with the initials GL, unfortunately not familiar to me!
Silver fineness: 800. + a probable country mark.
Dimensions: 45 mm L x 20 mm W.
Coral size: largest 6 mm in diameter.
Weight 8.37 grams.
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Sciacca Coral.
In July 1831 an underwater volcano erupted off the coast of Sciacca on the southern coast of Sicily.
Fishermen observed the explosions and were astonished to discover that the volcano had formed a new island.
By 1832, the waves had eroded the island so severely that it sank into the sea and remained only as a sandbank.
But what does this have to do with the corals we see on this brooch?
Submarine volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, such as the one in 1831, have over thousands of years repeatedly caused coral in this area to die off, ultimately giving rise to one of the richest deposits in the entire Mediterranean Sea.
This subfossil coral had, from storage in water, acquired a salmon-colored tint, making it unmistakable.
This treasure from the sea was discovered in 1875, and soon people began to mine the coral, but just as quickly, by 1915, the deposits were completely exhausted.
This beautiful brooch is made from the same Mediterranean coral, which has been formed into spheres of different sizes.
They are gathered together into a beautiful cluster that glints in a light salmon-colored shade.

Photos are enlarged; please refer to the specifications for correct dimensions.
The brooch is lightly cleaned before shipping and sent in a Gift-Box, registered and insured, with Track and Trace.
Any customs costs are for the account of the buyer.